In a major sigh of relief for the Dallas Cowboys, rookie defensive end Marshawn Kneeland dodged a season-ending injury to his right knee, but will still require surgical intervention that could sideline him for four to six weeks. An MRI revealed that the anterior cruciate ligament remains intact, but a meniscus tear will necessitate arthroscopic surgery.
Assuming a smooth recovery, Kneeland could rejoin the team in mid-November after a stint on injured reserve. This news comes as a mixed blessing, however, as the Cowboys’ defensive line is already reeling from injuries to Micah Parsons, who may miss another week with a high ankle sprain, and DeMarcus Lawrence, who is on injured reserve with a Lisfranc injury to his right foot.
Kneeland suffered the injury during the Cowboys’ 20-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, when he was tackling quarterback Justin Fields. He was subsequently carted off the field and did not return. In his absence, the team relied on Chauncey Golston, Tyrus Wheat, and Carl Lawson to fill the void. Wheat and Lawson combined for a half sack and three quarterback hurries against the Steelers.
Coach Mike McCarthy revealed that the team had experimented with using linebackers in the defensive end position during the game, anticipating the possibility of further injuries. With Kneeland out, the Cowboys may need to bolster their defensive end ranks, potentially adding players to the practice squad or elevating Lawson to the 53-man roster.
The defensive end group has been plagued by injuries since the start of training camp, with Sam Williams, the projected third pass rusher, suffering a season-ending torn ACL in one of the early practices.
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